My Story

Sponsor My Race to Raise Awareness and Funds for Autism

I ran my first marathon in April 2022, the same year I was diagnosed with autism spectrum condition at the age of 49. This year, on April 23rd, I am taking on the challenge of running the London Marathon to raise awareness about autism and funds for the National Autistic Society.

My journey to becoming a marathon runner and my decision to seek an autism diagnosis are different sides of my own personal lockdown story. During lockdown I began running in order to keep fit, and in order to get some time to clear my head, with all that was going on in that period. As I ran, I had the realisation that lockdown wasn't causing me stress. In fact, lockdown was helping me heal from  what I now understand to be autistic burnout.

A few months later, with the Brighton Marathon 2022 behind me, and with the support of The University of Sussex, where I work as Professor of Public Law, I received my diagnosis. I am lucky in that my support needs are relatively modest. But I do have support needs, and I have found the resources provided by the National Autistic Society to be invaluable as I came to understand this.

The National Autistic Society has been a source of support for me and countless other individuals and families affected by autism. Unlike some organisations, it is not on a mission to 'cure' autism. I am running the London Marathon to raise awareness about autism and funds for the National Autistic Society so they can continue to support others like me.

Please help me raise awareness and funds for individuals and families affected by autism. Your donation will make a difference and bring us one step closer to a world where everyone on the autism spectrum can reach their full potential. Click the "Donate Now" button to support my mission. Please also share this page with others who you think might like to support me and the National Autistic Society. Thank you for your generosity!